How can computer science solve some of agbioscience’s most critical challenges? Likith Mouli Konka, a graduate student studying Human-Computer Interaction at Indiana University Indianapolis, is gaining some first-hand experience through Field Atlas Agbioscience Tours and the Producer-Led Innovation Challenge. From his motivation to enter the agbioscience space to reshaping his perspective of agriculture, Likith dives into what he has learned about the agbioscience industry and how he sees it playing a role in his future endeavors.

 

What motivated you to step into the agbioscience industry and participate in AgriNovus / Field Atlas programs?

Growing up in India, I saw firsthand how crucial farming is to people’s livelihoods, but also the many challenges farmers face — climate variability, water scarcity, low productivity, and limited market access being just a few. When I learned about the AgriNovus and Field Atlas programs, I saw an opportunity to explore how my skills in UX Design and Research could potentially address these real-world agricultural challenges and make a tangible impact on farmers’ lives.

 

What AgriNovus programs + agbioscience events have you participated in? Briefly describe your experience participating in these programs and events.

I’ve participated in the Company Tours organized by Field Atlas, the Producer-Led Innovation Challenge, and my year-long Capstone Project. These experiences have been eye-opening and transformative. They’ve allowed me to apply my HCI skills to real agricultural problems and gain valuable insights into the cutting-edge technologies being developed in the agbioscience sector.

 

Prior to engaging with AgriNovus Indiana and Field Atlas, did you have any stereotypes about the Agriculture Industry? If so, what were those stereotypes?

Before getting involved with AgriNovus, my understanding of agriculture was largely based on my experiences in South India, where it often relies on traditional methods and limited access to modern technology. I perceived it as a sector facing constant uncertainty, with farmers struggling against numerous challenges.

 

How has your involvement with AgriNovus and Field Atlas programs reshaped your idea of the agbioscience industry?

Through my involvement with AgriNovus, my perspective has completely changed. I’ve been exposed to the agbioscience industry, where innovation and technology are at the forefront of addressing real-world agricultural challenges. From precision farming and climate-resilient crops to digital platforms and advanced machinery, I’ve seen how technology can revolutionize agriculture, making it more efficient, productive, and sustainable. It has shifted my perception from viewing agriculture as labor-intensive and traditional to seeing it as a tech-driven, data-powered industry with immense potential.

 

What has kept you reengaging with Field Atlas + AgriNovus programs?

What excites me most about agbioscience is the way it integrates technology to solve complex problems, such as optimizing resource use through precision agriculture or improving market access with digital platforms. These innovations are game-changers for farmers, offering solutions to issues like water scarcity and unpredictable weather, which were so prevalent in my earlier experiences. Each program offers new insights into how technology can address these challenges.

 

How do you think the knowledge you have about the agbioscience industry now will play a part in your future endeavors?

This experience with AgriNovus has significantly influenced my career aspirations. I now see the potential for my skills in design and research to make a tangible impact in agriculture, particularly in creating technology-driven solutions that empower farmers. My goal is to work at the intersection of agriculture and technology, developing tools and platforms that can help farmers overcome challenges and thrive in an increasingly complex environment. The knowledge and insights I’ve gained through AgriNovus have fueled my desire to contribute to a more sustainable and innovative agricultural future, both in regions like where I grew up and beyond.

 

What advice do you have for other students interested in getting involved in the agbiosciences?

To other students, I’d say don’t let preconceived notions limit your perspective. My experience has shown me that agriculture is a field full of opportunities for innovation and technological advancement. Engage with programs like those offered by AgriNovus and Field Atlas to gain hands-on experience and exposure to the industry. Be open to learning about the diverse challenges in agriculture and how your unique skills and background can contribute to solutions. Most importantly, recognize that your work in agbioscience has the potential to make a real, tangible impact on food security, sustainability, and farmers’ livelihoods worldwide.